The first warship from Africa to visit China has impressed many a Chinese.

South African Navy's escort ship SAS Spioenkop

South Africa's Spioenkop, one of the most modern warships in the world, reached Shanghai on Thursday, and will leave today morning to continue its journey to Asia.

"African naval forces have developed fast in the past few years, and the Spioenkop represents their highest level. I've read about the frigate in military magazines several times, and longed to see it in reality," Feng Liang, a 25-year-old military fan said yesterday, when the ship was open to the public.

A navy officer managing the "open day" said about 3,000 people visited the ship yesterday, much more than the usual number that visits foreign warships.

"I think the modern infra-red stealth design is the key attraction," he said. "Besides, its attraction as the first African warship to visit China also drew the public," he said.

But what impressed naval soldier Li Yi the most was the South African crew's culture. "The two navies played a football match on Saturday. While the Chinese players waited quietly, the South African team entered the field, singing and dancing. It's so different the tropical culture its festive style attracts us very much."

For the South African guests, the four-day visit has been an unforgettable experience, too. Dineo Maleka, a post communications clerk, said she loved the location where the ship was anchored - in the most prosperous part of Huangpu River against the North Bund, full of beautiful old buildings. Across the river is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the symbol of modern Shanghai.